EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

“The wound is the place where the light enters you.” -Rumi

If you have experienced or witnessed trauma or abuse, EMDR can help you heal in a safe, gentle and noninvasive way. Research shows that EMDR is effective for resolving traumatic memories. It is an evidence-based treatment for major traumas and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In addition, EMDR addresses interpersonal trauma, such as childhood wounding caused by excessive criticism, humiliations and disappointments.

Traumatic memories are stored in the brain differently than other negative experiences. They can be re-triggered by reminders of the the distressing events and experienced as if they are still happening. EMDR restores your natural ability to heal, increasing self-efficacy and well-being.

I use EMDR to facilitate healing in people who want to recover from:

Psychological Trauma

PTSD

Witnessing a Traumatic Event

Physical, Emotional and Verbal Abuse

Assault

Sexual Abuse and Incest

In addition, I use EMDR to help people heal from relational trauma related to:

Emotional and/or physical neglect

Witnessing or experiencing Domestic Violence

Mis-attuned or narcissistic parenting

Disruptions in attachment

Invalidating, chaotic or hostile environments

How EMDR Therapy Works

EMDR therapy begins with understanding your experience, including how you are being triggered by current events. Through the use of bilateral stimulation (eye movements, vibrations, or tapping) EMDR activates adaptive memory processing to alter the way traumatic memories are stored. With EMDR, many people feel that they are able to live more fully in the present instead of being preoccupied and overwhelmed by pain from their past. EMDR can also help people feel more confident about and prepared for events in their future.

I integrate EMDR with psychodynamic talk therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and relaxation techniques as a comprehensive treatment for complex trauma. I also offer EMDR as an adjunct treatment to your current talk therapy so that people who have a connection with an existing therapist can benefit from resolving their traumatic experiences in EMDR-focused sessions without interrupting their current therapy.